A coroner’s jury has called for stronger workplace safety measures following the death of a construction worker at a wind turbine site in rural New Brunswick.
Matthew Brawn died July 18, 2024, following a workplace accident while erecting wind turbines in the Springdale area of the Kings Rural District. An inquest into his death concluded this week at the Saint John courthouse.
The six-member jury classified Brawn’s death as an accident after hearing from six witnesses. The jury issued recommendations to Windturbine Construction Team and Iron Workers Union aimed at preventing similar deaths.
Supervision and daily safety meetings
The jury recommended Windturbine Construction Team establish a clear on-site supervisor to oversee all work.
The jury also called for mandatory morning safety meetings that establish the scope of work and responsibilities of all workers, review equipment and its intended purpose, identify the site supervisor and chain of command, remind workers of their right to refuse unsafe work, and reinforce consequences for not following procedures.
Morning meetings should emphasize active communication on site to verify safe equipment use and ensure only competent, properly trained employees operate equipment, according to the recommendations.
Equipment use
The jury recommended Windturbine Construction Team and Iron Workers Union remind workers during training that telehandlers and other equipment must be used only as intended and within rated capacities.
The chief coroner will forward the recommendations to the appropriate agencies for consideration and response. The response will be included in the chief coroner’s annual report for 2026.
A coroner’s inquest is a formal court proceeding that allows public presentation of all evidence relating to a death. It does not make findings of legal responsibility or assign blame, but can make recommendations to prevent future deaths under similar circumstances.
